French Guiana is a travel destination in South America. Its capital is Cayenne. October and September are its two best months to visit, ranked on 1991–2020 climate averages.
Top places to visit in French Guiana
Îles du Salut (Devil's Island) (landmark) — Infamous 19th-century penal colony islands — crumbling jungle-clad ruins of prisons, including the island where Dreyfus was held in solitary confinement.
Guiana Space Centre, Kourou (landmark) — Europe's spaceport on the equator — Ariane 5 and Soyuz launch pads with public museum and occasional rocket-launch viewing.
Tumucumaque N.P. (natural) — World's largest tropical national park (38,000 km²) — pristine Amazonian rainforest on the Brazil border, minimal tourism and maximal wilderness.
Kaw Marshes (natural) — Vast coastal wetland east of Cayenne — caimans, poison dart frogs, giant otters, and spectacular dawn birdwatching by dugout canoe.
Cayenne Old Quarter (city) — French-Creole capital blending Amazonian, Caribbean, and French influences — Place des Palmistes, spice market, and colourful Creole houses.
Maroni River (natural) — Border river with Suriname — pirogue journeys past Maroon villages with Aluku and Ndjuka communities preserving 300-year-old African traditions.
Saint-Laurent du Maroni (city) — Former bagne (penal colony) headquarters — Camp de la Transportation, colonial architecture, and gateway to Maroon jungle communities.
Montsinéry-Tonnegrande (natural) — One of the world's most accessible jaguars hotspots — guided night safaris on forest roads to spot jaguars, tapirs, and giant anteaters.
Saül Village (natural) — Remote highland village in the rainforest — starting point for treks through orchid-rich jungle to dramatic Belzon table mountain.
Remire-Montjoly Beaches (beach) — Sea-turtle nesting beaches near Cayenne (Dec–Jul) — leatherback and green turtles haul up at night watched by guided groups.